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Adoption Time Line and Expenses

Adoption Time Line

I’ve tried to keep an accurate record of most of the cost for the adoption process for those who may be interested in International Adoption. I'm sure I've left off some costs, but the majority of expenses are listed here on my time line. When I was beginning my research, I found it really helpful to know beforehand what all the costs associated with adoption would be.

I was blessed many times over in my journey through receiving a grant to help with travel costs, receiving "unexpected" money...especially at the end when things were really expensive, and having a money basket at my shower where I collected about $1,200 to help with travel. Many people said that this would happen and I doubted the reality that God would give so specifically in many cases, but as usual HE never fails and HE did provide even to the last cent.

2003Single friend adopted a daughter from Russia, started looking into international adoption

Fall 2005 I felt definite “tug” into motherhood, ready to have a family, realized I could be a single mom if that is what God had planned for my life.

12/3/05 Attended AWAA meeting in Chattanooga by myself

12/13/05 Attended another agency meeting with mom

1/1/06 Officially decided on AWAA, my friend Candace is adopting with them also!

2/1/06 Completed Tax Return and had enough money being refunded to pay off car and pay for online application! God is good!!!

2/11/06 Completed online application!!!!! ($250)

2/16/06 Mailed in Statement of Sexual Orientation and Acknowledgement of Policies and Procedures to AWAA.

2/22/06 Received Adoption Approval Letter and was placed on the Singles Waiting List!!!!

3/3/06 My niece, Madison Elizabeth Maze was born! I love her as my own daughter and can’t wait for her and Molly to meet!

3/19/06 Began decorating nursery for Molly and Maddie to share

5/7/06 “Announced” that I’m adopting for the first time to my Sunday School Class! It’s so good to share happy news with people. It’s been hard containing my news since December

5/22/06 Still waiting to be released from the singles waiting list. It’s really hard to wait when you want to begin the paperchase! Emailed Leah, the singles coordinator and she said it would be a couple more weeks until the next batch is released.

6/2/06 Mission Trip to Gulfport, MI to help victims of Katrina

6/12/06 VBS at Haywood

6/19/06 Started keeping Maddie for summer

8/1/06 First round of Hep B shot

8/12/06 Still waiting…I was hoping to be into the paperchase this summer, but God has other plans.I am now hoping to be released from the waiting list in September. I’m concentrating on paying off debt, sticking to a budget, and saving money for the first payment.

9/5/06 Second round of Hep B shot

9/22/06 Leah called today…I’m officially off of the singles waiting list! Exactly 7 months from today! I’m so excited!!!! Praise the Lord!

9/23/06 Faxed in the release form for single applicants and mailed in the signed copy of the policy and procedures.

9/28/06 Mailed in signed agreement to AWAA and paid initial $2,000 fee.

10/22/06 3rd home study visit with Rachel, Dr. visit to check TB test results and pick up notarized form and letter

11/5/06 Received passport!

11/13/06 Home Visit with Rachel

11/22/06 Mom and I get fingerprinted in Nashville

1/12/07 Received Form 171H from USCIS in Memphis!!!!!

1/13/07 Mom and I attended Maddie’s first “recital” then we went shopping. I overheard a lady talking about adoption and introduced myself. It turns out she is a single teacher also and we’re both using AWAA! The conversation got more interesting when we discussed names…her name is Maribeth Horner and her daughter will be Holly Horner and my daughter will be Molly Maze. My…what us teachers do to our children with the name thing! Maybe Holly and Molly can be friends! One last thing I’ll take as further confirmation from God is that in the midst of our conversation a ladybug flew into my hair! Of all things???? Thank you God for confirming my decision for me today!

1/19/07 Had all documents certified and authenticated in Tennessee($42.00)

1/23/07 Made copies of all documents at Kinko’s ($20.24)

1/26/07 Sent Dossier via Fed ex to Leah at AWAA ($10.68)

Made the following payments:

Mid Payment ($2,000)

Translation Fee ($695.00)

Post Placement Deposit ($1,000)

Courier Fee ($150.00)

US State Dept. Fee ($91.00)

Chinese Embassy Fee ($260)

2/2/07 DTC (Dossier to China)

2/25/07 LID!!! It’s official, I’m logged in! The current wait time is about 2 years, I’m hoping for a speed up, but trust the Lord knows best.

6/2/07 Received a $3,000 grant from Steven Curtis Chapman’s ministry, Shaohannah’s Hope. Praise God for this confirmation and help!!!!

7/12/07 Brown Envelope Received!

1/3/08 Re-fingerprinted at the Office of Homeland Security (expires 4/2009)

About Me

I love blogging, reading about adoptive families, looking at decorating blogs, keeping up with facebook friends, cooking, shopping online, trying new recipes, going on new adventures with molly, and so much more! The views expressed on this blog are mine and do not necessarily reflect the views of MNPS.